Published: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 10:59 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 10:59 p.m.

In a tailored suit, Anthony Wedo looks every bit the sharp, clean-cut CEO of Greer-based Buffets Inc., one of the nation's largest steak-buffet restaurant companies.

But take away the stylish threads and throw in a blonde wig and a fake mustache, and the Ivy League-educated businessman morphs into Mike Davis, a down-on-his-luck construction company owner.

Wedo ditched his dapper duds this summer to participate in the popular CBS reality series "Undercover Boss." An episode that will air at 8 p.m. Friday follows his covert journey through his company's ranks as a cashier, server, dishwasher and dining room manager.

"I took this on because I wanted to learn more about my business," Wedo said. "I ended up learning more than I ever thought I would. I am focused on turning this company around and rebuilding it from the ground up. … No one will really tell you the truth if they know you're the CEO."

Buffets Inc. has 343 restaurants and 18,000 employees in 35 states across the country. Its brands include Old Country Buffet, HomeTown Buffet, Ryan's and Tahoe Joe's Famous Steakhouse.

Wedo, who has made a name for himself as a "turnaround" CEO, was hired as the company's chief executive in December.

"My initial learning was focused on how to improve our enterprise," Wedo said. "I was touched by the personal stories of my people who are trying to make ends meet at home and still come to work with a smile on their face."

Film crews followed the CEO to restaurants in California, Colorado and Louisiana. Scenes also were shot at the company's home office in Greer and in downtown Greenville.

Wedo couldn't say anything about the upcoming episode, but he said he walked away from filming with a better understanding of what his employees go through on a daily basis, as well as pages of ideas for things he wants to do to improve the experience of his guests and associates.

"We serve families, and I want to make sure we take care of the families of those who work for us," Wedo said. "This is the start of the reinvention of this company."

<p>In a tailored suit, Anthony Wedo looks every bit the sharp, clean-cut CEO of Greer-based Buffets Inc., one of the nation's largest steak-buffet restaurant companies.</p><p>But take away the stylish threads and throw in a blonde wig and a fake mustache, and the Ivy League-educated businessman morphs into Mike Davis, a down-on-his-luck construction company owner.</p><p>Wedo ditched his dapper duds this summer to participate in the popular CBS reality series "Undercover Boss." An episode that will air at 8 p.m. Friday follows his covert journey through his company's ranks as a cashier, server, dishwasher and dining room manager.</p><p>"I took this on because I wanted to learn more about my business," Wedo said. "I ended up learning more than I ever thought I would. I am focused on turning this company around and rebuilding it from the ground up. … No one will really tell you the truth if they know you're the CEO."</p><p>Buffets Inc. has 343 restaurants and 18,000 employees in 35 states across the country. Its brands include Old Country Buffet, HomeTown Buffet, Ryan's and Tahoe Joe's Famous Steakhouse.</p><p>Wedo, who has made a name for himself as a "turnaround" CEO, was hired as the company's chief executive in December.</p><p>"My initial learning was focused on how to improve our enterprise," Wedo said. "I was touched by the personal stories of my people who are trying to make ends meet at home and still come to work with a smile on their face."</p><p>Film crews followed the CEO to restaurants in California, Colorado and Louisiana. Scenes also were shot at the company's home office in Greer and in downtown Greenville.</p><p>Wedo couldn't say anything about the upcoming episode, but he said he walked away from filming with a better understanding of what his employees go through on a daily basis, as well as pages of ideas for things he wants to do to improve the experience of his guests and associates.</p><p>"We serve families, and I want to make sure we take care of the families of those who work for us," Wedo said. "This is the start of the reinvention of this company."</p>